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Volume 109 Number 5 March 7, 2008 Portland

Four large CTW unions say his vision to Change restore America resonates with members WASHINGTON, D.C. (PAI)—Saying his message Win endorsement was to have four of the federation’s to Win of changing hope into reality has inspired its members largest unions — the Service Employees, United Food across the country, and that it’s time for the Democra- and Commercial Workers, the Teamsters, and UNITE tic presidential nomination race to end, the Change to HERE — join forces to mobilize their members in comes Win labor federation on Feb. 21 endorsed Sen. Barack phone-calling, leafleting, door-knocking and other Obama (D-Ill.) for president. campaign activities in Ohio and Texas. “One reason we endorsed now is because we think Burger said CTW unions have 175,000 members out for we can make a difference,” said CTW Chairwoman in Ohio and 60,000 members in Texas. Anna Burger. “It’s time to bring this process to a close. Two other CTW affiliates, the Laborers and Car- There’s a movement building here, and winds of penters, have yet to finish their internal canvassing of change are blowing for Barack Obama.” members. The Carpenters initially endorsed John Ed- Obama The Change to Win endorsement came just weeks wards, who dropped out earlier this year. The seventh before March 4 primaries in Texas, Ohio, and Rhode CTW union, the United Farm Workers, is supporting Island, where a large number of delegates are up for Clinton. grabs. [The outcome of those primaries was not avail- Burger said Obama’s stands on trade, on achieving able at press time on March 4.] the American Dream and on the war in Iraq “really Obama is in a close Democratic primary race with resonated with our members.” Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York. Clinton — who is “NAFTA passed when Bill Clinton (Hillary’s hus- endorsed by several large unions affiliated with AFL- band) was president,” Burger continued referring to CIO — had been the front-runner until mid-February, the controversial U.S.-Canada-Mexico free trade when Obama went on a tear and won 11 states. Prior treaty that labor fought, arguing it would cost thou- to March 4, Obama had won 26 primaries to Clin- sands of jobs. ton’s 11 and held a delegate lead of 1,202 to 1,042. “We have seen and lived through the impact of bad The seven unions in the Change to Win federation trade policies on working families in this country,” broke from the AFL-CIO in 2005 over internal dis- Burger added. agreements about organizing and political activity. Obama has told union audiences repeatedly that if Democrat presidential hopeful Sen. Barrack Obama spoke at a UFCW The national AFL-CIO has remained neutral in the pri- elected, he would tell the Mexican president and the conference in Chicago last year. Last month he won the endorsement of that maries. Canadian prime minister that NAFTA must be rene- union, along with the Service Employees, Teamsters, UNITE HERE, and the The immediate practical effect of the Change to gotiated to stop the job losses. Change to Win federation. Postal Workers Union claims USPS in Portland is re-routing mail around anthrax-sniffing machines By DON McINTOSH two U.S. senators. At least 22 people developed anthrax infec- result. If any of the machines ever detect anthrax, an alarm is Associate Editor tions, and five of those died, including two APWU members at supposed to go off, and postal workers have been trained to fol- Six years after letters containing anthrax killed two Wash- the Brentwood postal facility in Washington, D.C. Anthrax is a low procedures to contain the batch and evacuate the building. ington, D.C., postal workers, several complaints filed by union not-uncommon livestock disease, but particular strains of the That’s where mail processing clerk Roseanna Foster-Mikhail workers in Portland suggest caution may be waning at the U.S. bacteria that cause it have been developed for use as biological comes in. Foster-Mikhail, a 22-year postal employee, is Local Postal Service (USPS). weapons. 128’s safety and health representative, and the person responsi- In December, to deal with a heightened volume of letters, In the wake of the attacks, Congress appropriated $1.4 bil- ble for biohazard training for local postal employees. Her Portland’s central post office processed some letters without us- lion to protect the mail by buying and installing “biohazard de- union’s members maintain the machine, though another union, ing machines that were installed to detect anthrax. tection systems” in USPS facilities. By late last year, the sys- the Laborers-affiliated National Postal Mail Handlers Union, That spurred members of Portland-based American Postal tems, manufactured and maintained by Northrop Grumman, represents workers who use the machine. Workers Union Local 128 to file a union contract grievance, a had been installed at all 283 major USPS processing facilities. The Portland post office has eight of the high-tech cancella- complaint with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Ad- The systems are set up to catch anthrax in stamped letters tion machines, each capable of scanning and stamping the can- ministration (OSHA) and a report to the USPS postal inspec- collected from postal boxes or home mailboxes — not com- cellation mark on 30,000 pieces of mail per hour. But even tors. mercial mass mailings, which are the bulk of USPS workload. that’s not enough around holidays like Christmas, when letter The anthrax scare started a week after the Sept. 11, 2001, Anthrax-sniffing machines are integrated into USPS’ high volumes soar — from 1.5 million pieces a night to as much as 3 terrorist attacks, when letters containing anthrax spores were speed letter-cancelling equipment. A vacuum takes an air sam- million pieces, according to L.C. Hansen, president of the Na- sent to at least five major news organizations; three weeks later, ple from a batch of letters, which is then tested by DNA analy- tional Association of Letter Carriers Branch 82. letters containing a more refined version of anthrax were sent to sis to look for anthrax. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to get the test (Turn to Page 8) SpecialSpecial legislatilegislativvee sessionsession gagavvelsels toto aa closeclose No major union-related bills are heard during the three-week experiment

SALEM — The Oregon Legisla- John Lim of R-Gresham, Donna Nel- to file an annual report about their ac- ous Republicans, who believe fusion ganized labor to the governor-ap- ture’s first-ever experiment with an son of McMinnville, and Bill Garrard tivities. would lessen the spoiler effect of con- pointed Global Warming Commis- annual session wrapped up Feb. 22. of Klamath Falls. In the end, it didn’t Supporters of a union-backed third servative third parties like the Liber- sion. But that went nowhere. No major union-related bills were de- matter: Senate leaders Peter Courtney party, the Oregon Working Families tarians. But the bill died in the Ways A bright spot for labor was a bill to bated during the three-week session, (D-Salem) and Richard Devlin (D-Tu- Party (OWFP), were disappointed and Means Committee, because Sen- require energy conservation improve- but labor organizations took sides in alatin) refused to give the bill a vote, again when their proposal to restore ate Democratic leaders, including ments in state buildings, sponsored by favor of a handful of bills. And not saying it wouldn’t pass, even though “fusion” voting failed. Fusion, which Senate President Peter Courtney, re- Brad Witt (D-Clatskanie), former sec- many of those passed, despite Democ- Democrats controlled 18 of 30 seats in exists in several other states, allows fused to give the bill a vote. Dudley retary-treasurer of the Oregon AFL- ratic leadership of the Oregon House, the Senate. candidates to be listed on ballots as credits three Democratic lawmakers CIO and a union rep for United Food Oregon Senate and governor’s office. “The industry was lobbying from the nominee of more than one politi- in particular as having fought for the and Commercial Workers Local 555. The top priority of the Oregon day one to stop any lending reform cal party. OWFP has ballot status as a bill: state senators Brad Avakian and Witt sponsored a similar bill last year, AFL-CIO was a package of mortgage from moving forward,” said Angela minor party in Oregon, but hasn’t yet Ben Westlund, and state representa- which failed to pass. This time, an reforms supported by a consumer Martin, Economic Fairness Coalition run candidates for fear of the “spoiler” tive Chip Shields. OWFP leaders plan amended version passed with a unani- coalition that included AARP, OS- Director for Our Oregon. effect, in which voting for a third- to meet soon to consider options, mous vote in the Oregon House, and PIRG, and the union-backed group The mortgage reform proposals party candidate helps elect the less ap- which include a ballot initiative for all but one vote in the Oregon Senate. Our Oregon. State Senator Ben West- will likely be back for debate next pealing major party candidate. Instead 2008 or 2010, another try at the Legis- The bill could result in thousands of lund (D-Tupelo) led the campaign, in- year, when the next Legislature meets OWFP has focused on restoring fu- lature in 2009, and a third, unnamed jobs for union building trades work- troducing a bill that contained six pro- in January. sion, which Oregon once had. Passing option. ers. posals to protect borrowers from “We will see more pain in the fusion would breathe life into a party On the issue of health care, several Witt also was able to get $500,000 onerous mortgage lending practices. mortgage lending arena for homeown- like OWFP, enabling workers to vote union groups backed a proposal for appropriated to a revolving loan fund But the mortgage industry mounted ers,” Martin said. “The banking com- on the ballot line of a party that sticks additional money to expand the rolls for reconstruction efforts in communi- fierce opposition, and four of the six munity has gone way overboard with to bread-and-butter economic issues of poor children on the Oregon Health ties like Vernonia that were hit hard were amended out of the bill. excessive fees and abusive contract and avoids divisive social issues. Plan. Right now the kids are dropped by last year’s severe storms. On the House side, Speaker Jeff terms, and it’s eating into the pockets Last year, OWFP tried and failed to from the rolls if they don’t reapply AFSCME, one of the larger public Merkely (D-Portland) backed the of too many working families.” win passage of a fusion bill in the every six months; the bill would have employee unions, helped pass a bill stripped-down bill, and managed to Two mortgage reform bills did Legislature’s regular session. In Feb- given them at least a year’s worth of aimed at heading off a major budget get it passed by a single vote. Three pass, however — bills that were sup- ruary, OWFP went to work again on health coverage once they qualify. But threat. Lawmakers voted to refer to Democratic House members voted ported by a gubernatorial task force state lawmakers with the help of a a scaled-back state budget forecast voters a bill to provide drug treatment against the bill — Larry Galizio of heavy with mortgage industry repre- paid organizer and two contract lob- drove a nail into the coffin of that and longer prison sentences for repeat Tigard, Deborah Boone of Cannon sentatives. One will limit “rescue byists. They managed to get commit- idea, said AFL-CIO president Tom offenders committing property Beach, and Mike Schaufler of Happy mortgage” scams that prey on bor- ments of support from a majority in Chamberlain. crimes. The legislature’s proposal is Valley. But Merkely was also able to rowers in foreclosure; the other will each chamber, said party co-chair Behind the scenes, there was also put forth as an alternative to a much get three Republicans to vote for it — require mortgage bankers and brokers Barbara Dudley — including numer- talk of adding a representative of or- more expensive ballot measure au- thored by Kevin Mannix that would require mandatory minimum sen- tences for property crimes and iden- Carpenters, Electricians, Laborers, Glaziers, Sheetmetal Workers, Floorcoverers, Bricklayers, Cement Masons, Roofers, Asbestos Workers, Family, Millwrights, Painters, Elevators, Plasterers

lcrcas apnes aoes lzes hemtlWres locvrr,B Floorcoverers, Workers, Sheetmetal Glaziers, Laborers, Carpenters, Electricians, tity theft, even for first time offenders whose crimes were committed to feed drug habits. The way the referral is If the Feds can lower their rates, written, if voters approve it, it will in- validate the Mannix measure. Alltold, AFL-CIO President Cham- berlain termed it a successful legisla- so can we! tive session, which passed consensus bills and ended short and under Second budget. Mortgage New “Could they have done more? Of & course they could have,” Chamberlain & said. “We didn’t bring forward Home Equity Call or Click to Apply Today! Used groundbreaking legislation because Auto Rates we didn’t have time to build support Line of for that.” 800-356-6507 ext 340 Have Credit Rates Elevator Painters, Millwrights, Family, Workers, Asbestos Roofer, Masons, Cement ricklayers,

Have www.ibewuwfcu.com Dropped , Cement Masons, Roofer, Asbestos Workers, Family, Millwrights, Painters, Elevators, Plasterers Dropped Too (International Standard Serial Number 0894-444X) Established in 1900 at Portland, Oregon as a voice of the labor movement. 4275 NE Halsey St., P.O. Box 13150, Portland, Ore. 97213 Telephone: (503) 288-3311 E-mail: [email protected] Editor: Michael Gutwig Staff: Don McIntosh, Cheri Rice

We can help with Published on a semi-monthly basis on the first and third Fridays of each month by the Oregon Labor Press Publishing Co. Inc., a non- profit corporation owned by 20 unions and councils including the all of your financial Oregon AFL-CIO. Serving more than 120 union organizations in Ore- gon and SW Washington. Subscriptions $13.75 per year for union members. dreams. Group rates available to trade union organizations. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT PORTLAND, OREGON. CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE: Three weeks are required for a change of address. When ordering a change, please give your old 9955 SE Washington St and new addresses and the name and number of your local union. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO Box 16877 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS, P.O. BOX 13150-0150, PORTLAND, OR 97213 Portland, Oregon 97292 Plasterers s,

www.ibewuwfcu.com Electricians, Carpenters, Laborers, Glaziers, Sheetmetal Workers, Floorcoverers, Bricklayers Glaziers, Carpenters, Laborers, Electricians, Sheetmetal Workers, Floorcoverers, Bricklayers, Cement Masons, Roofers, Asbestos Workers, Family, Millwrights, Painters, Elevators, Plasterers

PAGE 2 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS MARCH 7, 2008 At Willamette Carpenters Training Center Trades charter school will open this fall A new charter school in East Mult- Institute of Sheet Metal Workers Lo- lish, as well as opportunities to intern the works for several years. The Willamette Carpenters Train- nomah County is partnering with ap- cal 16, the Northwest Laborers-Em- and job shadow. All juniors will take “We sat down with industry and ing Center has remodeled about 7,000 prenticeship training programs to of- ployers Training Trust, and the open construction courses to learn the ba- educators, shared our ideas and de- square feet of its second floor to ac- fer classes focusing on construction shop Northwest College of Construc- sics, As seniors, they can specialize in sires, and found we could really help commodate students this fall. It is al- trades, engineering and architecture. tion — to create the new school. architecture, engineering or one of the each other by building this school,” ready talking about adding six more The Academy for Architecture, Reynolds School District is the ac- trades. O’Connor said. “The collaboration on classrooms, a library, new restrooms Construction and Engineering (ACE) tual sponsor of the charter. Charter “This is project-based will open its doors in September to schools are independently run, but learning. Students won’t 250 high school juniors. Enrollment publicly funded. ACE has its own be sitting around at a could double the following year when board of directors who formulate poli- table. They will be learn- both juniors and seniors will attend. cies, curriculum and budgets. Among ing by doing,” Dick O’- The academy will operate out of the board members is Ken Fry, direc- Connor, executive director the Willamette Carpenters Training tor of the NECA-IBEW Electrical of OBC told the NW La- Center, 4222 NE 158th Ave., Portland. Training Center. bor Press. ACE is the brainchild of the Ore- John Steffens, director of the Students will be organ- gon Building Congress, an organiza- Willamette Carpenters Training Cen- ized into small “work tion that for years has brought to- ter (and vice president of OBC), and crews,” with four or five gether teachers, businesses, public Ric Olander, president of Sheet Metal crews creating a learning group. Two this has been phenomenal,” and a meeting hall with a serving agencies and training programs to in- Workers Local 16, also serve on com- learning groups will be anchored to a Fry, a past president of OBC, said kitchen that can seat up to 200 people. crease the quality and diversity of ap- mittees that will hire teachers and es- certified teacher and a technical edu- that in 2006 the organization pre- Applications to ACE are available plicants entering the building industry. tablish the curriculum at ACE. cation instructor. sented its plan to Portland Public at high school counseling offices. OBC has partnered with Reynolds, Students will follow A Day/B Day O’Connor said 140 applicants have Schools, but was turned down ... Each school is guaranteed placing a Centennial, Parkrose and Gresham- schedules, receiving core classes at applied for the six teaching posts. twice. certain number of students based on Barlow school districts, and five ap- their home schools on on day, then at- ACE faculty will consist of a state OBC then took its proposal to its enrollment. If schools don’t fill prenticeship training programs — tending the academy the next. The certified t eachers for math, science school districts in East Multnomah their slots by March 15 they will be WCTC, the NECA-IBEW Electrical two-year program will offer gradua- and English, plus three instructors County, where poverty rates are high redistributed. If there are more appli- Training Center, the HVAC & Metals tion credits in math, science and Eng- with skills in either construction, ar- and schools are busting at the seams. cants than space, students will be se- chitecture or engineering. “The reception there was quite differ- lected by lottery. The only require- “We should be able to hire some ent,” Fry said. ment is that applicants be a junior fabulous teachers,” O’Connor said. Reynolds School District Superin- with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At an open house for students and tendent Terry Kneisler was eager to “This is not an experiment,” Taylor parents last month, Mike Taylor, a re- listen, Fry said. Meetings were said at the open house. “Everything b h Bennett Hartman tired superintendent from Parkrose arranged with administrators from has been demonstrated to be an ac- Morris & Kaplan, llp High School and the newly-hired other school districts in the area, and ceptable practice. We’ll do what we Attorneys at Law principal of ACE, said that in addition the result is the new charter school. do extremely well.” to the teachers, students will have ac- “My initial reaction was, ‘someone m k cess to the training centers. pinch me, I can’t believe this is finally Editor’s Note: ACE Academy is “These are state-of-the-art facili- happening,’ “ Steffens told the NW modeled after the Center for Ad- ties with top-notch computer labs and Labor Press. vanced Learning, another charter Oregon’s Full Service Union Law Firm CAD labs,” Taylor said. “The HVAC ACE is leasing space for three school in East Multnomah County. Institute has some of the best math art years from the Willamette Carpenters CAL focuses on health care, manufac- Representing Workers Since 1960 on its walls that I’ve ever seen. It’s a Training Center, which is located in turing technology and engineering. It wonderful facility.” the Reynolds School District. If all is in the Gresham school district. “This is a resource I guarantee you goes as planned and it performs to OBC’s Dick O’Connor said talks no other school can provide,” he said. state standards, ACE can apply for an- are ongoing with the affiliated training SeriousInjuryandDeathCases A trades charter school has been in other five-year grant. programs and the state apprenticeship office as to whether ACE grads will be allowed direct entry into training • Construction Injuries programs. • Automobile Accidents “Our hope is to provide direct en- Quest try. But it’s not official yet,” said John • Medical, Dental, and Legal Malpractice Steffens, director of the Willamette Carpenters Training Center. • Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents Investment Ken Fry of the NECA-IBEW Elec- Q trical Training Center and Ric Olander • Pedestrian Accidents Management, Inc. of the HVAC & Metals Institute told • Premises Liability (injuries on premises) the NW Labor Press that graduates • Workers’ Compensation Injuries • Serving Multi-Employer may not get direct entry into their pro- } Serving Multi-Employer grams, but they’ll definitely have a leg • Social Security Claims up on other applicants. Trusts Trusts for for Over Twenty Twenty Years Years “Entry is being discussed,” Fry said. “It depends on the trade and CamCam Johnson Greg Greg Sherwood what each training center wants to We Work Hard for Hard-Working People! do.” Adrian Adrian HamiltonHamilton Monte Monte Johnson Currently, graduates from Benson DougDoug GoebelGoebel BillBill ZenkZenk High School in Portland and from the 111 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1650 Garth Nisbet Pat Worley Clark County Skills Center in Van- Portland, Oregon 97204 couver, Wash., can apply to the Elec- trical Training Center monthly, while (503) 227-4600 OneOne SWSW ColumbiaColumbia St., Suite 1100,1100 Portland,Portland, OR 97258 others can apply only during open en- www.bennetthartman.com 503-221-0158503-221-0158 rollment, which takes place twice a year. www.QuestInvestment.com www.QuestInvestment.com Our Legal Staff are Proud Members of UFCW Local 555

MARCH 7, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 3 AFSCME #88 backs three in Multnomah Co. races SEIU Local 503 The union that represents most questions submitted by members. County. Also running for the seat in of the International Longshore and workers at Multnomah County an- “It’s an exciting meeting. I love it District 3 are Judy Shiprack, Mike Del- Warehouse Union, and Piluso herself and 49 endorse nounced Feb. 20 that it will back Deb- because everybody is so involved,” man, Bruce Barclay and Roy Burkett. was a shop steward for the Teamsters. orah Kafoury, Rob Milesnick and Carla said union president Becky Steward. Burkett did not respond to the union’s She has been with the police depart- Piluso for three open seats on the non- Following the forum, members dis- invite. ment for 29 years. Also running for the Kroger for AG partisan County Commission. cuss and then vote on their endorse- Carla Piluso has a 29-year career in seat representing East Multnomah Multnomah County Employees Lo- ment selections. law enforcement, including the last five County are Diane McKeel and Ken Service Employees International cal 88, an affiliate of the American Fed- Kafoury is a former House Democ- years as chief of police for the City of Quinby. Union Locals 503 and 49 have en- eration of State, County and Municipal ratic leader from Northeast Portland. Gresham. She holds a bachelor’s de- The primary election is May 20. If dorsed Democrat John Kroger for Employees (AFSCME) represents She served as a state rep from 1999 to gree in political science and speech no candidate gets 50 percent plus one, Oregon attorney general. some 2,700 workers there. The county 2004. She graduated from Portland’s from Willamette University. Her 95- the top two vote-getters will face off in SEIU is Oregon’s largest union, is responsible for jails, libraries, bridges Grant High School and received a year-old father was a longtime member November. representing nearly 50,000 workers in and an array of social services for the bachelor’s degree in English from the hospital systems, long-term care, aged, sick, disabled and mentally ill. Whitman College. Also running in Dis- property services and public-service Local 88 is the largest of the eight trict 1 are Wes Soderback and Mark sectors. unions representing county workers. Its Newey. Neither responded to AF- Gardner won’t run for Congress; “We endorsed John Kroger because three-step endorsement process in- SCME’s questionnaire or invitation to we need an attorney general who will cludes written questionnaires from all the forum. other candidates still deciding stand up for the people of Oregon and John has a history of doing the peo- candidates, interviews by the AFSCME Rob Milesnick received a law de- Oregon Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner, a member of the International Local 88 Political Action Committee, gree from Syracuse University. He ple’s work,” said Kate Pingo, secre- Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 48, has decided not to run for Congress tary-treasurer of Local 49. and participation in a Candidates’ Fo- works as a lobbyist for ODS Health this year. rum. That forum — held at the general Plans. Prior to that he worked for the SEIU joins Carpenters Union Lo- Democratic U.S. Rep. Darlene Hooley announced Feb. 8 that she will not seek cals 247 and 2154 of Portland and membership meeting Feb. 20 — al- Oregon Judicial Department supervis- re-election to her seat in the 5th Congressional District. lowed candidates to respond directly to ing DUII probationers in Multnomah 1065 of Salem in supporting Kroger, Gardner discussed a possible run with political advisers and his family, and late along with former Gov. John last month announced he would not run, saying that spending time with his children Kitzhaber and City Commissioners would come first. Gardner has two-and-a-half more years to serve in his second Erik Sten, Dan Saltzman and Randy term as labor commissioner. Leonard. Two other potential Democratic candidates also won’t seek the job. They are Kroger is a Lewis & Clark Law Paul Evans and Brigadier General Mike Caldwell. Evans is an aide to Oregon Gov. School professor and a former federal Ted Kulongoski and spouse of Hooley’s chief of staff. Caldwell is well-known by prosecutor, who says he will combat the building trades and in AFSCME circles at the Oregon Military Department. the state’s meth crisis by pushing for Meanwhile, State Sen. Kurt Schrader (D-Canby) has thrown his hat into the tougher enforcement and treatment, ring in the Democratic primary, and former State Treasurer Jim Hill is rumored to will hold polluters accountable by im- be interested. posing fines and jail time, and will On the Republican side, Kevin Mannix and Mike Erickson are looking hard at fight for the civil rights of Oregonians the open seat. Mannix is a Democrat-turned-Republican state legislator who ran un- by arguing those cases himself in successfully for governor and attorney general. Erickson challenged Hooley two court. years ago — and lost by a sizable margin. Only one Republican candidate had filed to run at press time. He is R.J. Wilson, a Salem dance instructor.

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PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS MARCH 7, 2008 Trade unions want strong turn-out CWA Local 7901 endorses Steve Novick for U.S. Senate at Cascade Locks casino hearings Portland-based Communications Workers of American, Local 7901 has en- dorsed Steve Novick in the Oregon Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Public hearings in March will deter- To develop the resort, the tribe needs 3 in Warm Springs. Future meetings “Our members were looking for a fighter to stand up for worker’s rights in mine the fate of the Warm Springs Re- permission from the federal govern- will be held: the U.S. Senate, and all agreed that Steve is that candidate,” said Local 7901 sort and Casino proposed at an indus- ment to buy 25 acres in the industrial • Monday, March 10, Cascade President Madelyn Elder. “We need someone who won’t just vote the right trial park 40 miles east of Portland in park from the Port of Cascade Locks Locks, Port Pavillion, 355 Wa-Na-Pa way, but stand up as a tireless advocate for the working families of Oregon.” Cascade Locks. and convert it into tribal land. A draft St. Local 7901 represents nearly 1,000 workers in the public and private sectors. The $400 million project will be environmental impact statement was re- • Wednesday, March 12, Stevenson, built all union under a project labor leased Feb. 15. The public has until Wash., 710 S.W. Rock Creek Dr. agreement with the Columbia-Pacific May 15 to comment on it. • Thursday, March 13, Portland, Building Trades Council and Anderson The Department of Interior, through DoubleTree Hotel, 1000 NE Mult- Construction. The tribe also has a com- the Bureau of Indian Affairs, will hold nomah St. pact with the State of Oregon that five public hearings before making a fi- • Monday, March 17, Hood River would allow some 2,000 resort and nal decision, hopefully by the end of the Middle School Auditorium, 1602 May casino workers to organize. year. The first meeting was held March St. Gradine Storms All meetings start at 6 p.m. Real Estate Broker “Remember to The proposal has support from 7886 SE 13th Ave. Clackamas County Democrats will present building trades unions, Gov. Ted Ku- spring forward Portland, Oregon 97202 longoski, the City of Cascade Locks on March 9!” Direct: 503-495-4932 anti-LNG resolution at March 20 meeting and all the surrounding governments E-Mail:[email protected] Union backers for the development of liquefied natural gas plants in Oregon and communities. Member of CWA might want to attend the March 20 meeting of the Clackamas County Democrats, “It’s important that we turn out a lot where party leaders have introduced a resolution opposing such construction. of our members,” said John Mohlis, ex- Local 7901 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated Last month, a couple of union members were able to get the resolution tabled. ecutive secretary-treasurer of the CP- Proposed construction of an LNG plant at Bradwood Landing near Astoria has BCTC. “This is it. This is the time to been endorsed by the Oregon AFL-CIO and the regional and state building trades make our voices heard.” councils. In addition to public testimony, writ- Zachary “Their resolution against LNGs was filled with inaccuracies. We wanted more ten comments can be sent to: Stanley time so that we could tell our side of the story,” said Willy Meyers, a business rep Speaks, Northwest Regional Director, Zabinsky for Sheet Metal Workers Local 16. Bureau of Indian Affairs, 911 NE 11th The next meeting of the Clackamas County Democrats is Thursday, March 20, Ave., Portland, OR 97232 or faxed to • Social Security at 7:30 p.m. at the Operating Engineers Local 701 Union Hall, 555 First St., Glad- 503-231-2275, or go to www.gorge- • SSI - Disability Claims casinois.com and click on the Comment stone. (Take the Gladstone exit off I-205). Personal Attention To Every Case Opportunities page. 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MARCH 7, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 5 the Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Parkway, pired term), Executive Board Public Sector (unexpired Exterior & Interior Springfield. term) and Trustee (3 yr. term). Sign Painters & Official Specialists 2154 Paint Makers 1094 Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Linoleum Layers 1236 Painters & Drywall Members meet 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 17, in 1125 SE Madison, Suite 207, Portland. Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, the District Office, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Port- March 27, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Finishers 10 land. Notices Fire Fighters 1660 Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Members meet 8 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at Marion-Polk-Yamhill the Asbestos Hall, 11145 N.E. Sandy, Portland. 4411 SW Sunset Dr., Lake Oswego. Southern Oregon Bakery, Confectionery, Glass Workers 740 Labor Council Eugene area members meet 5 p.m. Monday, Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March Pile Drivers, Divers Central Labor Council Tobacco Workers and March 10, at Best Western Grand Manor Inn, 971 11, followed by a 7 p.m. general meeting at SEIU Lo- Delegates meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the Kruse Way, Springfield. cal 503, 1730 Commercial St. SE, Salem. & Shipwrights 2416 Labor Temple, 4480 Rogue Valley Hwy. #3, Central Grain Millers 114 Salem area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, March Members meet 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, preceded Point. Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 11, at Candalaria Terrace, Suite 204, 2659 Commer- by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 2205 N at 7931 NE Halsey, Suite 205, Portland. cial St. SE, Salem. Metal Trades Council Lombard, Portland. Executive Board meets 8 a.m. Monday, March 10, at NOLC board room, 1125 SE Madison, Portland. Southwestern Oregon Boilermakers 500 Insulators 36 Delegates meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at Portland City & Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at 2515 Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March IBEW Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Port- Central Labor Council NE Columbia Blvd., Portland. 12. land. Metropolitan Employees Delegates meet 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Members meet 8 p.m. Friday, March 14. 189 Bay Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash, North Bend. Meetings are at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Bricklayers and Allied Mid-Columbia Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Craftworkers 1 Iron Workers Labor Council General membership meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, United Association 290 March 25, 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Delegates meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at 3313 Portland area members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, 12812 NE Marx St., Portland. Shopmen 516 W. 2nd, The Dalles. March 21, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin. Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13, Astoria area members meet 6 pm Thursday, March 11620 NE Ainsworth Cir., #300, Portland. Roofers & Waterproofers 27, at the Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., As- Carpenters 1715 Millwrights & Machinery toria. Members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, pre- 49 Bend area members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Labor Roundtable of Erectors 711 March 25, at the Local 290 Training Center, 2161 SW ceded by a 5 p.m. Executive Board meeting at 612 E. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13. Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, pre- First, Redmond. McLoughlin, Vancouver, Wash. Executive Board meets 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3. Southwest Washington ceded by a 9 a.m. Executive Committee meeting, at Brookings area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Meetings are at 5032 SE 26th Ave, Portland. Delegates meet 8 a.m. Friday, March 14, at Home- the Carpenters Local 247 Hall, 2205 N. Lombard St., April 1, at Curry County Search and Rescue, 417 (Phone: 503 232-4807) Cement Masons 555 town Buffet, 7809-B Vancouver Plaza Dr., Vancou- Portland. Railroad St., Brookings. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at ver, Wash. Coos Bay area members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, 12812 NE Marx St., Portland. Salem Building Trades March 25, at the Coos Bay Training Center, 2nd & Molders 139 Kruse, Coos Bay. Delegates meet 10 a.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Laborers 483 Members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, pre- Eugene area members meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, IBEW 280 Training Center, 33309 Hwy. 99E, Tangent. Clark, Skamania & ceded by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting at the March 24, at the Springfield Training Center, 2861 Municipal Employees Carpenters Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. Pierce Parkway, Springfield. W. Klickitat Counties Members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Sheet Metal Klamath Falls area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tues- the Musicians Hall, 325 NE 20th Ave., Portland. day, March 25, at 4816 S. 6th St., Klamath Falls. Labor Council Northwest Oregon Workers 16 Medford area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at 650A Industrial Cir., White City. Delegates meet 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, pre- Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Laborers/Vancouver 335 Labor Council Roseburg area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, ceded by an Executive Board meeting, at the ILWU March 11, at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 Members meet 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, pre- Delegates meet 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, at March 27, at 742 SE Roberts, Roseburg. Local 4 Hall, 1205 Ingalls St., Vancouver, Wash. NE 178th Ave., Portland ceded by a 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at IBEW Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Port- Salem area members meet 6 p.m. Monday, March Medford area members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, the Vancouver Labor Center, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., land. 24, at 1810 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem. March 12, at Wild River Pizza, 2684 N. Pacific Hwy., Columbia-Pacific Vanc., Wash. The Dalles area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Medford. March 25, at United Steelworkers Local 8170 Union Eugene area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Building Trades Office & Professional Hall, The Dalles. March 13, at the Local 16 Hall, 4748 Franklin Blvd., Laborers 320 Humboldt-Del Norte Co. area members meet 5:30 Delegates meet 10 a.m. Tuesdays, March 11 and Workers 11 Eugene. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at Joe p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at the Eureka Training Cen- March 18, at Kirkland Union Manor II, 3535 SE 86th, Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the Coos Bay area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Edgar Hall, Teamsters’ Complex, 1850 NE 162nd ter, 832 E St., Eureka, Calif. Portland. Laborers/Teamster Hall, 2212 NE Andresen, Vancou- March 20, at the Labor Temple, 3427 Ash St., North Ave., Portland. ver. Please Note: Nominations for the following of- Bend. Electrical Workers 48 fices will take place at this meeting; Executive Secre- Portland area VOC members meet 6 p.m. Wednes- Lane, Coos, Curry & tary (3 yr. term), Executive Board Utilities (2 yr. term), day, April 2, at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 USW 1097 Coast Unit meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 at Executive Board Labor Orgs (2 yr. term), Executive NE 178th Ave., Portland. Members meet 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, pre- Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., Astoria Board At Large (2 yr. term), Executive Board Public Douglas Building Trades ceded by a 3 p.m. Executive Board meeting, in the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus meets 6 p.m. Sector (2 yr. term), Executive Board At Large (unex- Wednesday, March 12 in the Executive Boardroom Delegates meet at noon Wednesday, March 26, at union office building, 91237 Old Mill Town Rd., Residential Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March Westport. 12, in the Dispatch Lobby Sound and Communication Unit meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, in the Meeting Hall Vancouver Meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, March Retiree Meeting Notices 12, at Shanahan’s Pub, 209 W McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver Wasco Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, Tickets on sale at the Northern Wasco PUD, 2345 River Rd., The ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED meeting will follow. Suggestions for NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR Dalles AMERICANS OREGON CHAPTER trips are welcome. For further in- RETIREES COUNCIL Electrical Women of Local 48 meets 6 p.m. Tues- for Share dinner day, March 18, at NIETC, 16021 NE Airport Way, Executive Board meets 10 a.m. formation, please call Vera Larson Business meeting from 10 a.m. to Portland Thursday, March 20, in the North- at 503 252-2296. 11 a.m. Monday, March 10, at Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 19, and Apr. 2, in the Executive Boardroom west Oregon Labor Council board SAVE THE DATE: April 8 for a 1125 SE Madison, #100G, Port- and concert Marine Unit meets 5 p.m. Monday, March 24, in room, at 1125 SE Madison, Port- FREE luxury bus trip to Lucky Eagle land. the Meeting Hall VANCOUVER — Several labor Bylaws Committee meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, land. PLEASE NOTE DATE Casino in Rochester, WA. unions are helping Share, a non-profit March 25, in the Executive Boardroom CHANGE for this month only. OREGON AFSCME organization that provides shelter, food General Membership Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednes- day, March 26, in the Meeting Hall. Show-up early Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, IRON WORKERS 29 Retirees meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, and emergency services for people in for free sandwiches and specifically designed tee- March 27, at Westmoreland Union Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. March 18, at the AFSCME office, Southwest Washington, through spon- shirts. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are at 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland, Manor, 6404 SE 23rd Ave., Port- Wednesday, March 12, at JJ North’s 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Call sorships at its fundraising events. unless otherwise noted. land. All retirees are welcome to at- Grand Buffet, 10520 NE Halsey, Michael Arken for information at Share is hosting the 7th anual Share- DEATH ASSESSMENTS: The following death as- sessments have been declared for March and are tend. Portland. 503-239-9858, ext. 124. a-Bowl dinner and concert Sunday, payable at 50 cents each: No. 2167, Darrell J. Cobb April 27 at Skyview High School, 1300 and No. 2168, John L. Engelbart. CARPENTERS ELECTRICAL WORKERS 280 SHEET METAL WORKERS 16 NW 139th St. Electrical Workers 280 Retired Carpenters meet for an Retirees meet between 11:45 a.m. Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Thurs- The concert will feature Patrick 11:30 a.m tour and 12:30 luncheon and noon Monday, March 10, at day, March 13, at Nicola’s Pizza, Bend Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, Lamb, a member of Musicians Local at the IBEW/UA Training Center, 2161 SW First St., Monday, March 10, at the Carpen- The Old Country Buffet on Lan- 4826 N Lombard St, Portland. 99, as well as Linda Hornbuckle, Nor- Redmond. ter’s Training Center, 4222 NE caster in Salem, which is next to Everyone is invited. Eugene Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March man Sylvester, Karen Therese and 19, at the LU 290 Training Center, 2861 Pierce Park- 158th, Portland. PLEASE RSVP to Michael’s Craft store. Michael Allen Harrison. way, Springfield. Leo Larsen at 503 666-1613. If you have any questions, please UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 Salem Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, Plumbers and Fitters Local 290 and at 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent, OR. PLEASE NOTE: give Don Ball a call at 541-327- Salem area retirees meet 12 noon the Northwest Labor Press are among Due to scheduling conflicts, all Salem Unit meetings ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 3388. Wednesday, March 12, at Almost several co-sponsor sof the concert. will be held at our training center in Tangent until fur- ther notice. All Retired Electricians of Local IRON WORKERS 29 Home Restaurant, 3310 Market St. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for Executive Board meets 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 48, wives and friends meet for Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. NE, Salem. kids 5 to 12. 2, at 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent, OR. lunch 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March Wednesday, March 12, at JJ North’s Portland area retirees meet 10 For tickets or more information on Elevator Constructors 23 11, at Hometown Buffet, 10542 SE Grand Buffet, 10520 NE Halsey, a.m. Thursday, March 20, at 20210 sponsoring a Share event, call Becky at Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13, pre- Washington St., Portland. Senior Portland. SW Teton Ave., Portland. 360-887-8556 or log on to their Web site ceded by a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at lunch is $7.39. A brief business at www.sharevancouver.org. 12779 NE Whitaker Way, Portland.

PAGE 6 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS MARCH 7, 2008 Union and political leaders propose labor-business alliance to rebuild nation’s crumbling infrastructure Citing crumbling bridges, roads, wa- private capital,” Sweeney said. its infrastructure. and beyond existing grants and ear- Policy and Revenue Study calculates terways, rails and ports, AFL-CIO Pres- “We all have a stake in this — every “We know that investing in our own marks.” that it will take $225 billion annually ident John Sweeney proposed labor and one of us — and we all have different infrastructure will produce prosperity. It “The central idea behind such an ap- just to maintain the existing transporta- business form a joint alliance to push a motives for wanting action,” Sweeney will put people to work . . . But there has proach is the financing would be guar- tion system over the next 50 years. comprehensive long-term plan to re- continued. “For the AFL-CIO, it’s good to be a will to do this. It is hard work to anteed by our government,” Sweeney • The Congressional Budget Office build the nation’s infrastructure. jobs. For others, it is something differ- build consensus,” said Ron DeFeo, said. “We’d be asking government, busi- predicts a $5 billion shortfall in the Closing a national infrastructure con- ent. We all depend on our infrastructure CEO of heavy equipment manufacturer ness, labor and individuals to invest in Highway Trust Fund by 2009, disrupt- ference at his alma mater, Iona College to keep our families and our communi- Terex, Corp., which sponsored the con- America, and in this time of economic ing projects in all 50 states. in New Rochelle, N.Y., on Feb. 19, ties healthy, comfortable and safe, and ference. uncertainty and national division, that • By 2020, every major U.S. con- Sweeney said he would be willing to set to keep our country moving. We should The U.S. Department of Transporta- would be a percentage play for all of tainer port is projected to double its de- up such a joint alliance with the Cham- be able to put some of our parochial tion estimates that every $1 billion in- us.” signed capacity. Some West Coast ports ber of Commerce, the National Associ- concerns aside and come together be- vested in transportation infrastructure At both the Portland and New York will quadruple. ations of Manufacturers, and others. hind a comprehensive long-range infra- generates $2 billion in economic activ- gatherings, similar information was There are 72,000 miles of sewer and If such a long-term rebuilding plan, structure plan.” ity. Most estimates also say that every shared with participants. For example: water pipes that are over 80 years old. with government-backed financing for A day later in Portland, Oregon Con- billion dollars spent on infrastructure • The American Society of Civil En- “The infrastructure we built for the projects, passed Congress and was gressman Earl Blumenauer, a member creates between 40,000 and 50,000 jobs. gineers estimates it will take $1.6 trillion previous century is obsolete,” Blume- signed by the next president, “managers of the House Ways and Means Commit- “In simplistic terms, what we lack is over five years to bring roads, rails, nauer said in Portland. “Today, we have of the $5 trillion now in our union bene- tee, met with a dozen construction union any sort of long-range comprehensive bridges, waterways, transit systems and a unique opportunity to rebuild our com- fit funds (would) seriously consider in- leaders to get their ideas on what a na- plan – any sort of overall strategy” that other infrastructure components in to munities in ways that meet our environ- frastructure capital investments, and I tional plan to rebuild infrastructure would cover years of projects and bil- “good condition.” mental and energy challenges while re- know it would have the same effect on might look like. lions of dollars in construction, Sweeney • A National Surface Transportation vitalizing the economy.” He told them he has been working said. with Speaker of the House Nancy But Sweeney insists it will take a Annual Faith-Labor Pelosi, (D-Calif.), and has talked to new administration in Washington, Breakfast set for more than 240 stakeholders (a diverse D.C., before any significant action is Grocery-meat workers group ranging from contractors and en- taken, because for seven years the Bush Wednesday, March 12 vironmentalists to truckers and transit Administration has refused to consider workers) to raise the profile for a na- using infrastructure spending as a job- wrap up more contracts The sixth annual Faith-Labor Break- tional infrastructure plan. creation vehicle. fast will be held Wednesday, March 12, “This is going to part of the Democ- During last January’s debate on a Members of United Food and ers initially tried to get). Wages will starting at 7:45 a.m. at Highland Chris- ratic program this year and next,” he short-term economic stimulus package, Commercial Workers Local 555 rati- increase $1.30 an hour over the life of tian Center, 7600 N.E. Glisan St., Port- emphasized. “China is spending 9 per- the AFL-CIO urged Congress to include fied several more contracts last month the agreement, retroactive to Febru- land. cent of its gross domestic product on in- a job-creating infrastructure component, on the heels of a ratification vote in ary 2007. There will be no health re- The annual event is co-sponsored by frastructure. India is spending 4 percent one aimed at bridge repair and school Eugene-Springfield after more than a imbursement accounts (which would the Portland Chapter of Jobs with Jus- of its GDP. The United States spent less renovation. Bush and his allies in the year of bargaining. have resulted in large increases in de- tice, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, than 1 percent. We are falling further Senate nixed it. In February, Salem, Corvallis, Al- ductibles), and employees may vol- the Northwest Oregon Labor Council and further behind our global competi- Sweeney did not offer a comprehen- bany, Sweet Home, Lebanon, and unteer to work Christmas Day, but and Oregon Farmworkers Ministries. tors.” sive plan himself, but said a good start Newport all settled contracts. Support can’t be scheduled to work. All clergy, lay leaders and trade The Iona College conference was di- would be bipartisan legislation pending has averaged around 92 percent. Ratification votes are scheduled unionists are invited to attend. verse, too, bringing together unions, in Congress – now marooned in the Local 555 represents more than this month in Vancouver, Wash., Cost for breakfast is $7. business, government and academic House Banking Committee – to “estab- 1,100 workers at Safeway, Albertsons Medford, Roseburg, Coos Bay and For more information, call 503-236- leaders to explore the hows and whys of lish a National Infrastructure Bank to fi- and Fred Meyer stores in these areas. 5573. Brookings. revitalizing the economy by rebuilding nance substantial infrastructure projects Key provisions in the contracts are Contracts in The Dalles and Hood with public and private capital, above identical to those in Eugene-Spring- River expire May 31. Contracts ex- field, with union wokers winning pire in Portland, Bend, and Newport hard-money wage increases (not July 26. Labor groups to bonuses in lieu of wages, as employ- participate in anti- war rally March 15 503-288-3311 Portland Public School The war in Iraq will be five years old this month, and anti-war groups, bus drivers ratify contract Subscribe Today! with the support of labor organiza- Union school bus drivers at Portland Public Schools ratified a new union con- tions, are planning protest rallies Receive 24 issues of the latest tract Feb. 29, after more than two years of working without a contract. The group around the country. In Portland, a of 85 workers drive buses for special education students, and are represented by labor news and views march and rally is planned for March Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757. 15, starting at 2 p.m. at the South Park from Oregon and Southwest Washington The new contract runs through June 30, 2010 and is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006. Blocks. Drivers will get annual raises of 2.5 percent, including retroactive pay back to last Oregon AFL-CIO president Tom Special group rate of $7.92 July, and a flat $625 for the 18 months before that. Under the previous contract, Chamberlain will speak at the Port- driver pay started at $12.69 and rose to $16.51 after 10 years. land rally, along with Barbara Dudley, on orders of 50 or more The new contract also raises the district’s capped contribution to health cover- co-chair of the labor-backed Oregon age by 6 percent a year starting Oct. 1. That’s also when the new statewide school Mail To: Northwest Labor Press Working Families Party; Andrea district employee health insurance pool comes into being, so there may be some re- Cano, director of the Oregon Farm P.O. Box 13150 duction in the cost of coverage. Labor Ministry; plus an Iraqi national, Portland, OR 97213 Under the new deal, the union agreed to give up employer-paid retiree health an Iraqi war veteran, and the father of coverage after 2014. Currently the district pays for it for to five years or until the re- Ehren Watada, a U.S. Army lieutenant tiree is eligible for Medicare. Name/Union Affiliation who refused deployment to Iraq. “[The new contract] was quite a bit better than the one we turned down,” said The event has the endorsement of Randy Shaw, a PPS driver and member of the union’s Executive Board. “But a lot Address AFSCME Local 88, ILWU Local 5, of the drivers still wanted to turn it down,” Shaw said. Portland Jobs with Justice, and the City State Zip In the end, Shaw said, members voted to approve it by a two-to-one margin, and Oregon AFL-CIO. almost every member in the unit voted.

MARCH 7, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 7 Executive Board Labor Orgs (2 yr. term), Executive NE 178th Ave., Portland. Exterior & Interior Douglas Building Trades Board At Large (2 yr. term), Executive Board Public Official Delegates meet at noon Wednesday, March 26, at Sector (2 yr. term), Executive Board At Large (unex- Specialists 2154 the Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Parkway, pired term), Executive Board Public Sector (unexpired Sign Painters & Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Springfield. term) and Trustee (3 yr. term). 1125 SE Madison, Suite 207, Portland. Paint Makers 1094 Members meet 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 17, in Notices Linoleum Layers 1236 Painters & Drywall the District Office, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Port- Fire Fighters 1660 Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, land. Members meet 8 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at March 27, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Finishers 10 4411 SW Sunset Dr., Lake Oswego. Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Bakery, Confectionery, Marion-Polk-Yamhill the Asbestos Hall, 11145 N.E. Sandy, Portland. Southern Oregon Tobacco Workers and Glass Workers 740 Eugene area members meet 5 p.m. Monday, Labor Council Central Labor Council Grain Millers 114 March 10, at Best Western Grand Manor Inn, 971 Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March Pile Drivers, Divers Delegates meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, Kruse Way, Springfield. 11, followed by a 7 p.m. general meeting at SEIU Lo- Labor Temple, 4480 Rogue Valley Hwy. #3, Central at 7931 NE Halsey, Suite 205, Portland. Salem area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, March cal 503, 1730 Commercial St. SE, Salem. & Shipwrights 2416 Point. 11, at Candalaria Terrace, Suite 204, 2659 Commer- Members meet 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, preceded cial St. SE, Salem. by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 2205 N Boilermakers 500 Metal Trades Council Lombard, Portland. Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at 2515 Executive Board meets 8 a.m. Monday, March 10, Southwestern Oregon NE Columbia Blvd., Portland. Insulators 36 at NOLC board room, 1125 SE Madison, Portland. Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March Delegates meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at Portland City & Central Labor Council 12. IBEW Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Port- Delegates meet 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Bricklayers and Allied Members meet 8 p.m. Friday, March 14. land. Metropolitan Employees Bay Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash, North Bend. Craftworkers 1 Meetings are at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. 189 Mid-Columbia Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at 11, at 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. 12812 NE Marx St., Portland. Iron Workers United Association 290 Labor Council General membership meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Portland area members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 25, 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Shopmen 516 Delegates meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at 3313 March 21, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin. Carpenters 1715 Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13, W. 2nd, The Dalles. Astoria area members meet 6 pm Thursday, March Members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, pre- 11620 NE Ainsworth Cir., #300, Portland. 27, at the Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., As- ceded by a 5 p.m. Executive Board meeting at 612 E. Roofers & Waterproofers toria. McLoughlin, Vancouver, Wash. Millwrights & Machinery Bend area members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Labor Roundtable of 49 March 25, at the Local 290 Training Center, 2161 SW Erectors 711 First, Redmond. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13. Cement Masons 555 Southwest Washington Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, pre- Brookings area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Executive Board meets 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3. Delegates meet 8 a.m. Friday, March 14, at Home- ceded by a 9 a.m. Executive Committee meeting, at April 1, at Curry County Search and Rescue, 417 Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at Meetings are at 5032 SE 26th Ave, Portland. town Buffet, 7809-B Vancouver Plaza Dr., Vancou- the Carpenters Local 247 Hall, 2205 N. Lombard St., Railroad St., Brookings. 12812 NE Marx St., Portland. (Phone: 503 232-4807) ver, Wash. Portland. Coos Bay area members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at the Coos Bay Training Center, 2nd & Clark, Skamania & Salem Building Trades Kruse, Coos Bay. Laborers 483 Molders 139 Eugene area members meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, Delegates meet 10 a.m. Thursday, April 3, at the W. Klickitat Counties Members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, pre- March 24, at the Springfield Training Center, 2861 IBEW 280 Training Center, 33309 Hwy. 99E, Tangent. Municipal Employees ceded by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting at the Pierce Parkway, Springfield. Labor Council Members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Carpenters Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. Klamath Falls area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tues- Delegates meet 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, pre- the Musicians Hall, 325 NE 20th Ave., Portland. Sheet Metal day, March 25, at 4816 S. 6th St., Klamath Falls. ceded by an Executive Board meeting, at the ILWU Medford area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Local 4 Hall, 1205 Ingalls St., Vancouver, Wash. Northwest Oregon Workers 16 March 27, at 650A Industrial Cir., White City. Laborers/Vancouver 335 Roseburg area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Members meet 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, pre- Labor Council March 27, at 742 SE Roberts, Roseburg. March 11, at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 Columbia-Pacific ceded by a 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at Delegates meet 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, at Salem area members meet 6 p.m. Monday, March NE 178th Ave., Portland the Vancouver Labor Center, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., IBEW Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Port- 24, at 1810 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem. Medford area members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Building Trades Vanc., Wash. land. The Dalles area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at Wild River Pizza, 2684 N. Pacific Hwy., March 25, at United Steelworkers Local 9170 Union Delegates meet 10 a.m. Tuesdays, March 11 and Medford. March 18, at Kirkland Union Manor II, 3535 SE 86th, Hall, The Dalles. Laborers 320 Office & Professional Eugene area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Humboldt-Del Norte Co. area members meet 5:30 Portland. March 13, at the Local 16 Hall, 4748 Franklin Blvd., Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at Joe p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at the Eureka Training Cen- Workers 11 Eugene. Edgar Hall, Teamsters’ Complex, 1850 NE 162nd ter, 832 E St., Eureka, Calif. Coos Bay area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Electrical Workers 48 Ave., Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the Laborers/Teamster Hall, 2212 NE Andresen, Vancou- March 20, at the Labor Temple, 3427 Ash St., North Coast Unit meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 at ver. Please Note: Nominations for the following of- Bend. Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., Astoria Lane, Coos, Curry & fices will take place at this meeting; Executive Secre- Portland area VOC members meet 6 p.m. Wednes- USW 1097 Electrical Workers Minority Caucus meets 6 p.m. tary (3 yr. term), Executive Board Utilities (2 yr. term), day, April 2, at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 Wednesday, March 12 in the Executive Boardroom Members meet 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, pre- Residential Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March ceded by a 3 p.m. Executive Board meeting, in the 12, in the Dispatch Lobby union office building, 91237 Old Mill Town Rd., Sound and Communication Unit meets 6:30 p.m. Westport. Wednesday, March 12, in the Meeting Hall Vancouver Meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, March Retiree Meeting Notices 12, at Shanahan’s Pub, 209 W McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver Wasco Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, Tickets on sale at the Northern Wasco PUD, 2345 River Rd., The ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED meeting will follow. Suggestions for 1125 SE Madison, #100G, Port- Dalles AMERICANS OREGON CHAPTER trips are welcome. For further in- land. Electrical Women of Local 48 meets 6 p.m. Tues- for Share dinner day, March 18, at NIETC, 16021 NE Airport Way, Executive Board meets 10 a.m. formation, please call Vera Larson Portland Thursday, March 13, in the North- at 503 252-2296. OREGON AFSCME Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 19, and Apr. 2, in the Executive Boardroom west Oregon Labor Council board SAVE THE DATE: April 8 for a Retirees meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, and concert Marine Unit meets 5 p.m. Monday, March 24, in room, at 1125 SE Madison, Port- FREE luxury bus trip to Lucky Eagle March 18, at the AFSCME office, the Meeting Hall VANCOUVER — Several labor Bylaws Committee meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, land.Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thurs- Casino in Rochester, WA. 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Call unions are helping Share, a non-profit March 25, in the Executive Boardroom day, March 20, at Westmoreland Michael Arken for information at organization that provides shelter, food General Membership Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednes- day, March 26, in the Meeting Hall. Show-up early Union Manor, 6404 SE 23rd Ave., 503-239-9858, ext. 124. and emergency services for people in for free sandwiches and specifically designed tee- Portland. All retirees are welcome ELECTRICAL WORKERS 280 Southwest Washington, through spon- shirts. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are at 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland, to attend. (PLEASE NOTE DATE Retirees meet between 11:45 a.m. sorships at its fundraising events. unless otherwise noted. CHANGE for this month only.) and noon Monday, March 10, at SHEET METAL WORKERS 16 Share is hosting the 7th anual Share- DEATH ASSESSMENTS: The following death as- sessments have been declared for March and are The Old Country Buffet on Lan- Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Thurs- a-Bowl dinner and concert Sunday, payable at 50 cents each: No. 2167, Darrell J. Cobb caster in Salem, which is next to day, March 13, at Nicola’s Pizza, April 27 at Skyview High School, 1300 and No. 2168, John L. Engelbart. CARPENTERS Michael’s Craft store. 4826 N Lombard St, Portland. NW 139th St. Electrical Workers 280 Retired Carpenters meet for an If you have any questions, please Everyone is invited. The concert will feature Patrick 11:30 a.m tour and 12:30 luncheon give Don Ball a call at 541-327- Bend Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, Lamb, a member of Musicians Local at the IBEW/UA Training Center, 2161 SW First St., Monday, March 10, at the Carpen- 3388. 99, as well as Linda Hornbuckle, Nor- Redmond. ter’s Training Center, 4222 NE UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 Eugene Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March man Sylvester, Karen Therese and 19, at the LU 290 Training Center, 2861 Pierce Park- 158th, Portland. PLEASE RSVP to IRON WORKERS 29 Salem area retirees meet 12 noon Michael Allen Harrison. way, Springfield. Leo Larsen at 503 666-1613. Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, at Almost Salem Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, Plumbers and Fitters Local 290 and at 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent, OR. PLEASE NOTE: Wednesday, March 12, at JJ North’s Home Restaurant, 3310 Market St. the Northwest Labor Press are among Due to scheduling conflicts, all Salem Unit meetings ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 Grand Buffet, 10520 NE Halsey, NE, Salem. several co-sponsor sof the concert. will be held at our training center in Tangent until fur- ther notice. All Retired Electricians of Local Portland. Portland area retirees meet 10 Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for Executive Board meets 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 48, wives and friends meet for a.m. Thursday, March 20, at 20210 kids 5 to 12. 2, at 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent, OR. lunch 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR SW Teton Ave., Portland. For tickets or more information on Elevator Constructors 23 11, at Hometown Buffet, 10542 SE RETIREES COUNCIL sponsoring a Share event, call Becky at Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13, pre- Washington St., Portland. Senior Business meeting from 10 a.m. to 360-887-8556 or log on to their Web site ceded by a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at lunch is $7.39. A brief business 11 a.m. Monday, March 10, at at www.sharevancouver.org. 12779 NE Whitaker Way, Portland.

PAGE 8 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS MARCH 7, 2008 Consumer prices rise higher in U.S. trade deficit Portland area than rest of nation The cost of everything is going up. Last month the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the Consumer Price with China zooms Index (CPI) climbed 3.7 percent last year in the region running from Portland metro to Salem. More U.S. companies to produce manufactured goods. Pro- That’s the biggest increase in a decade — and it tops the national CPI, which duction that used to be outsourced to was 2.8 percent. choosing China as the other less-developed countries is com- The CPI measures a broad range of consumer expenses in dozens of categories. location to produce ing to be concentrated in China. Prices in the region were up in nearly every category in 2007. Gasoline jumped 11 The imbalance is alarming to lead- manufactured goods percent; the average cost for medical care increased 12.7; and food and bever- Rain Forest Boots ers of the American labor movement, ages rose 3.4 percent. The only declines locally were seen in natural gas, recreation Made in America! America’s trade imbalance with which at one time was strongest in and education — and none went down by more than 1 percent. China is continuing to worsen, ac- manufacturing. Since 2001, the inflation rate in the area has hovered around 2.6 percent or Try a pair on, you’ll like them. “Our imbalance with China is un- cording to statistics released in Febru- lower. The highest jump in the past 10 years was 3.3 percent. Tough boots for the Northwest. ary by the Foreign Trade Division of sustainable,” said AFL-CIO President Another measurement BLS takes is the Consumer Price Index for All Urban the U.S. Census Bureau. John Sweeney in a press statement re- Consumers (CPI-U). It measured 208.556 for the 2007 annual average. That In 2007, the trade deficit with acting to the release of the annual means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100 in 1982-84 would AL’S SHOES trade statistics. “Our government must 5811 SE 82nd, Portland 503-771-2130 China (exports minus imports) passed have cost $208.56 in 2007. Mon-Fri 10-7:30 Sat 10-5:30 Sun 12-6 the quarter trillion dollar mark: $256.3 take immediate and effective actions billion. U.S. imports from China set a to ensure that the Chinese government new record: $321.5 billion. That’s the plays by the rules – with respect to equivalent of $1,068 of Chinese currency, illegal subsidies, tax policies Roger G. Worthington, P.C., leads the fight to find a cure goods for every man, woman and and workers’ rights.” child in America, though even that The labor federation is backing a figure is a way-below-wholesale bill in Congress, the Currency Reform price; it’s what U.S. companies paid for Fair Trade Act (HR 2492), which Mesothelioma: treatment and compensation to Chinese enterprises. Meanwhile, declares currency manipulation an il- U.S. exports to China also rose, to an legal trade subsidy and provides Do I have a case? estimated $65.2 billion, though it con- American manufacturers the opportu- If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to obtain compensation for your disease. Why? Be- sisted mostly of raw materials, parts nity to seek relief against countries cause mesothelioma is caused by asbestos, and the companies that made asbestos-containing products knew it was and machines. that don’t freely exchange their cur- deadly. The law can force these companies to pay for poisoning you. The times, dates, places and products related Overall the U.S. trade deficit with rency, including China. to your asbestos exposure will determine whether or not you have a valid claim. Our firm can give you an idea all its trading partners was down China is so dominant in the con- about possible compensation in a ten minute phone call, or quicker. slightly, to $711.6 billion in 2007, sumer goods sector that it calls into from $758.5 billion in 2006. That question the recent stimulus package Meso survival owes to lowered consumer spending passed by Congress. To combat the If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’re fighting for your life. Untreated, mesothelioma runs its course and a decline in the value of the dol- recession, the IRS will be mailing out in about seven months. With the right doctors and the right therapy, it’s possible to survive for as long as five years. lar. checks to Americans in the coming Our firm works with the best meso specialists on the West Coast, and we have donated more than $2 million to But China trade continues to zoom. months, and the hope is they’ll go help find better treatment and a cure for mesothelioma. We can help you navigate the health maze and put you The United States now imports more shopping. But if they’re spent on directly in touch with the best meso doctors in America. from China than from any other coun- clothes, toys or electronic goods, try. It’s not like Chinese brands are those dollars likely won’t employ Taking charge filling American shelves. For the most American workers other than those If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’ve gone through every emotion humanly possible, as has your part, imports are a case of U.S. com- whose jobs are to transport or sell the family. Now is the time to take charge. Medically, you have options and you have hope. Legally, you have rights panies choosing China as the location goods. related to asbestos exposure and disease. Our firm can help put you back in the driver’s seat. Fighting back Your mesothelioma was likely caused by asbestos. Makers of asbestos-containing products knew they were selling lethal products since the 1930s, yet they did nothing to warn. Shipyard workers, pipefitters, insulators, painters, drywallers, machinists, housewives, students, Navy veterans — these and countless others were needlessly poisoned IN MEMORIAM for the sake of profit. For every victim who fights, thousands of others have silently gone to the grave. We can help you fight back and let the poisoners know that they won’t be let off the hook for their callous acts. Barbara Jo Hougen, first vice tional conventions and to Oregon AFL- president of the Northwest Oregon La- CIO state conventions. She had just bor Council and a longtime member been re-elected to the labor council Demanding what’s yours and former officer of the International post. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your medical bills are mounting. You may be deeply concerned Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Lo- She retired from her job at Verizon about your family’s finances if the disease progresses. Demanding compensation from the companies that poisoned cal 89, died Feb. 11, 2008, in Billings, on Dec. 15, 2007. you can help pay for medical treatment and can help assure that your family is provided for. We can help. Montana. Cause of death was liver and Soon after that, she fell ill and was kidney failure. She was 57. hospitalized. She was taken from Port- Why us? Hougen was born in Idaho Falls, land to Billings, where she died with Mesothelioma cases are all we handle. Although each case is different, we’ve recovered over $1.2 billion in judg- Idaho, Nov. 29, 1950, daughter of her family at her side. ments and settlements for our clients in the last 18 years. We can’t guarantee a recovery in your case, but we can Roger and Bonnie Wise Hougen. She She was preceded in death by her guarantee that we’ll do everything in our power to help get one. Trust your case to a firm that is expert in this com- attended business school in Idaho Falls parents and a brother, Gerry. plex field. We play to win. before moving to Portland, where she Survivors include her siblings, Phyl- worked for GTE (later, Verizon) for lis Thornton, Vicki Bertz, Britt over 30 years. Hougen, Sheila Wise and Tom Call Roger G. Worthington at: She was an active member of IBEW Hougen; best friends Connie and Larry Local 89, which is headquartered in Pope; and numerous nieces and Everett, Wash. Hougen served as a nephews. shop steward and chairperson for the Cremation has taken place and, at Beaverton, Ore., unit from 1989-1998. her request, no service will be held. She was elected to the union’s Execu- Remembrances can be made to: 800-831-9399 tive Board in 1981 and elected presi- Hillsboro Public Library, 2850 NE For a free booklet of medical/legal information, including medical experts, dent of the local in 1986. She held that Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro, OR patient profiles, cllinical trials and asbestos products, call us or vist our website. post for 12 years. 97124; IBEW Local 89, P.O. Box Hougen was first vice president of 2330, Everett, WA 98213; or Animal the Northwest Oregon Labor Council Aid Inc., P.O. Box 863, Beaverton, OR www. mesothel.com and was a delegate to IBEW interna- 97075.

MARCH 7, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 9 UNION LAYOFFS SINCE JANUARY 2008 BARGAIN COUNTER FREE ROBERTS MOTORS (Closure) Free classified ads to subscribers Portland, Eugene, Medford, Red- DEADLINE: Friday prior to publication mond Published 1st and 3rd Fridays Union(s): Machinists Local 24, Teamsters #305 Now accepting e-mails Number Affected: 162 Send to: [email protected] Mail to: NWLP, PO Box 13150, Portland OR 97213 SEALY MATTRESS (Seasonal/ (Please include union affiliation) Temporary Layoff) • 15-20 words • No commercial or business ads • Union(s): Steelworkers #330, 1 ad per issue Teamsters #162 and #206 Number Affected: 150 • Please print legibly • Sorry, we cannot accept ads over the phone COE MANUFACTURING Ads MUST include area code or they will not be published (Cessation of manufacturing) Bakers Local 114 Secretary-Treasurer Terry Lansing (right) shows displaced Union(s): Teamsters #305 workers from Kerry Sweet Ingredients around a job fair it hosted March 1. Number Affected: 45 Automotive For the Home ‘46 CHEV STYLEMASTER, 4 dr, $3,500. 503 FREE 40” GE range, white, clean, works, you 289-0066 (Ed, Sr.) haul. 503 335-3837 (after 5 p.m.) BAY VALLEYFOODS (Closure) ‘01 BUICK CENTURY LTD, excellent cond, ROUND PEDESTAL game table, 42 to 60 inches Stienfeld pickles; loaded, leather, 3.1 liter SF1 V6, grandma’s car – w/leaf, dark wood, 4 upholstered swivel chairs. Bakers #114 holds job Union(s): Teamsters #305 only 30,200 miles, well maintained. $9,500. 503 503 223-3501 310-3298 PELLET STOVE, fireplace insert, Whitfield, 40lb Number Affected: 88 ‘01 CHEV BLAZER LS, 92k miles. $6,900. 541 capacity, includes venting & stainless chimney fair for nonunion crew 401-1333 cap, works great, $500. obo 360 737-2507 OHSU (Layoff) ‘01 DODGE DIESEL club cab, LB, 6sp manual, 7FT COUCH, green, white, tan, and rose col- Portland Bakers Local 114 held a job There the Bush-appointed Board found eng extras, 4” exh, 105k, exc, 1-owner, $14,900. ored, excellent condition, $200 OBO. 503 465- Union(s): AFSCME #328 fair March 1 for nonunion employees at no merit to the charges, and validated 503 290-8545 6623 ‘96 MERCURY VILLAGER V6 75k miles Kerry Sweet Ingredients in Tualatin. the election. Number Affected: (Unknown) Possibly 200-300 “program spe- PS/brakes AC ex cond, 1-owner, $5,000 OBO. Kerry, one of the world’s largest In December, the company said it 503 246-5063 Sporting Goods cific” ‘06 CHEVY SILVERADO, black, dually, quad- manufacturers of food ingredients, with was closing. 7.5 HP HONDA BOAT motor w/new water pump, headquarters in Ireland, announced in “We made a commitment to these cab, diesel, 100,000 BB warranty, 48k, loaded, matching canopy, excellent condition, $38,000. ex cond, $800. 360 241-7066 December that it would close its Tu- folks, and we’re standing behind it,” 503 679-4945 1955 REMINGTON .22 bolt rifle model 512 w/tu- alatin plant in June 2008 and lay off 80 said Eric Anderson, an international rep NONUNION LAYOFFS bular magazine and period scope, very accurate, employees. The plant makes cookies for the Bakers Union. “This is a win- excellent original cond, $145. 503 363-4994 SINCE JANUARY 2008 (eves) and ice cream. win for everybody.” Housing RUGER 77, wood and blued, 7mm Remington Workers tried to join Local 114 start- The union set up a job fair at the ROCKAWAY BEACH house, 3 bed, 2 bath, NIB, $465. 360 225-5108 ing last spring, but faced a brutal anti- Plumbers and Fitters Hall in Tualatin, MERIX CORPORATION sleeps 9, great amenities, minutes to beach. 503 SKIS SALOMON Pocket Rocket and bindings, union campaign. Management held where they invited representatives from (Closure) 355-2136 or 503 709-6018 175cm, excellent shape, $275. 503 774-1780 ROCKAWAY BEACH vacation home, 3 bed, CUSTOM BUILT 2005 Harley Softail, flat black mandatory meetings, fired a key union unionized shops United States Bakery’s Number Affected: 131 sleeps 8, beachfront, all amenities, $175/nite. w/red graphics, all new, $12,000 OBO. 503 257- supporter, and threatened to close down Franz Bread and Smith Cookies; 503 842-9607 7390 if the union won. Kroger Clackamas Bakery; Safeway KERRY SWEET INGREDI- FISHING/HUNTING 2 bd, 1 bath, mobile home ‘71 SIDEWINDER SKI boat, 120HP, 4 cyl, very on lake, Rock Creek Reservoir, Wasco County, good for its age, $2,300 now, $2,700 come May. Local 114 filed several unfair labor Bread Plant; and Bimbo/Oroweat Bak- ENTS (Closure) practice charges, along with 19 objec- ery, to come interview prospective em- 112k. 541 544-2030 360 225-5976 Number Affected: 80 ‘98 HARLEY, 32.6k miles, softail custom, tions to employer conduct prior to and ployees and take applications. chrome, black and orange, looks and runs ex- during the union election – which it lost Fortunately, March and April are cellent, billet wheels, newer tires, $9,250. 503 NATIONWIDE INSURANCE Wanted in August by just nine votes. busy months for the baking industry, so OLD WOODWORKING tools, planes, levels, 829-6319 The regional office of the National the union is confident it can find work (Closure) chisels, rulers, handsaws, shaves, leather tools, Labor Relations Board investigated the for some of the displaced Kerry em- Number Affected: 230 call center slicks, adzes, chests. 503 659-0009 complaints and forwarded eight charges ployees. employees CASH FOR old Mexican jewelry, Taxco. 503 Miscellaneous 653-1506 DIE CAST airplane banks, 54 assorted Texaco, 2 to the full Board in Washington, D.C. CROSS CUT log saws, slicks, double bit axes, thru 9, for info call 503 704-2369 blacksmith hammers, planes, woodworking hand HEATING DUCTWORK, 8” x 158” w/one elbow tools. 503 819-3736 & one reducer ($30) for all for $40. 503 283-4060 LEGAL PROBLEMS?? ENFIELD 2A OR 2AI and Spanish FR-8 7.62x51 UTILITY TRAILER, super HD, new 8 lug axle, %HHVRQ &KLURSUDFWLF or Gibbs conversion of No. 1, Mark 4. 503 539- elec brakes, new wiring lights, 2” hitch 9x6’ steel 7LUHG For $16 a month 0288 bed, tailgate, $1,150. 503 829-9374 (Eves) FIREPROOF FLOOR safe, reasonable. 503 KHOSVEULQJWKH coverage includes: 287-7622 O Unlimited toll-free phone TOYOTA/FORD RANGER 4x4, older model RI UHOLHI\RXQHHG consultation with attorneys. w/low miles, records, 64-67 Chevelle project car, or parts. 503 257-1082 O A comprehensive will with Š MOTORCYLCES running or not and musical in- 7UHDWPHQWIRUSDLQGXHWR yearly updates is included. :RUNLQJ struments, cash paid. 503 880-8183 RYHUXVHDQGUHSHWLWLYHPRWLRQ O Representation for traffic tickets, Š &KLURSUDFWLFDGMXVWPHQWV accidents, criminal, and civil suits. LQ Š 7UHDWPHQWIRUDFFLGHQWDQG O Coverage on IRS tax audits. VSRUWVUHODWHGLQMXULHV O Divorce, child custody, bank- IRS PROBLEMS? ruptcy and many more benefits.* Š 5HKDELOLWDWLRQH[HUFLVHV •Haven’t filed for...years? THESE LEGAL SERVICES • Lost records? Š 7KHUDSHXWLFPDVVDJH ARE PROVIDED BY THE •Liens-Levies-Garnishments? 3$,1" Š VERY BEST LAW FIRMS ,QWHUQDOGLDJQRVLVDQGWUHDWPHQW •Fees are affordable IN OREGON & WASHINGTON. Š • Appointments available /DEWHVWVDQG[UD\V * Some services not 100% covered 0RVW,QVXUDQFH evenings & weekends For more • Working with union members 3ODQV$FFHSWHG information, for over 20 years call 503-760-2456 'U'DQ%HHVRQ&KLURSUDFWRU Call Nancy D. Anderson Broadway Floral 3P528'/

PAGE 10 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS MARCH 7, 2008 Roofers raise cash for Food Bank Roofers Local 49 of Portland held a first-ever Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament. Proceeds totaling $2,000 went to the Carpenters Food Bank. More than 66 participated in the event, with the top 10 finishers (pictured above at the table) awarded prizes. Troy Left to right: Dave Johnson, Bruce Barnes, JR Robertson, Rob Towes and Bill Munson — all members of IBEW Hatchell, a member of Communications Workers of America Local Local 48 — fly their union’s banner at Eco Park Resort in Toutle, WA. as they prepare to feed starving elk. The men 7901, finished first, followed by Jim Kefahas of Carpenters Local are volunteers of Mt. Saint Helens Rescue. 2260, and Mike Fahey. Fahey is a former executive secretary- treasurer of the Portland Metal Trades Council and coordinator of the Carpenters Food Bank. The all-volunteer food bank is housed in the basement of the union hall at 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. It Union members feed starving elk in Washington feeds between 425 to 500 families a month. Food boxes are VANCOUVER — Mt. Saint He- end since January. electrical contractor EC Company and distributed the third Friday each month. lens Rescue, an organization with “We’ve delivered more than 50 the IBEW & United Workers Federal strong ties to members of the Interna- tons,” he said. Credit Union have donated cash to tional Brotherhood of Electrical Supplimental food supplies are help purchase the alfalfa to feed the Workers, has been raising money and needed, he says, because a plan by elk. The cost so far has been more volunteering to feed starving elk herds the Washington Department of Fish than $7,500. Barnes hopes other Oregon retirees group to meet April 26 in Southwest Washington this past and Wildlife is failing. According to unions, and possibly the newly cre- The Oregon Alliance for Retired Americans will hold its fifth annual convention winter. the department, the elk population has ated Union Sportsman’s Alliance, will April 26 at the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Hall, 2435 NW The group’s founder, Bruce outgrown the land’s ability to provide help even more. The Union Sports- Front Ave., Portland. Barnes, a member of IBEW Local 48, food. man’s Alliance is a program of the Registration for the convention, which opens at 9 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m., is says he and other members of Local It all started with the eruption of Theodore Roosevelt Conservation $25 and includes lunch. 48 and IBEW 125 have been taking Mt. St. Helens in May of 1980, when Partnership, a coalition of hunting, For more information, call the Oregon ARA at 503-284-8591 alfalfa by the ton-loads to Eco Park hundreds of thousands of trees were fishing and conservation organizations Resort in Toutle, WA. and Muddy blown down. The devastation allowed nationwide. Creek in Cougar Wash., everyweek- grasses and sedges that elk eat to thrive — resulting in elk populations Donations checks can be made out to grow. and sent to: However, as trees were replanted Pioneer Feed and Supply and (timber harvesting slowed on Attention: Mike Agard neighboring national forest land) 21417 NE 10th Ave shade caused a decrease in the growth Ridgefield, WA 98642 of the foilage — and less food for the For more information, call Barnes elk. Throw on top of that several cold, at 360-513-3874, or go to www.mt- snowy winters, and the now overpop- sainthelensrescue.com ulated elk can’t find enough food to (Editor’s Note: The Mt. Saint He- survive. lens Rescue was founded in 2006 with “Leaving the elk to starve to death a mission of ensuring the future of fish is animal neglect and cruelty by our and wildlife while securing future government agency which was cre- recreational opportunities in the wilder- ated to protect and create sound stew- ness areas of Southwest Washington ardship of the fish and wildlife in the for hunting, snowmobiling, horseback state of Washington,” Barnes said. riding, hiking and ATV riding.) Locals 48 and 125, signatory union

MARCH 7, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 11 Union helps students train for robotics competition Plumbers and Fitters Local 290 opens part of its training center so that high school students can test their robots in scrimmages The 2008 Oregon Regional FIRST Robotics Competition wrapped up last weekend at Memorial Coliseum. And for the first time ... ever ... organized labor was involved. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a national non- profit organization that each year conducts a na- tional robotics contest for high school students. The organization was founded by Dean Kaman (the man who invented the Segway transporter). This year, 55 teams from a half-dozen West- ern states and Canada competed at Memorial Coliseum — one of 41 regional events held na- tionwide. From its inception seven years ago, large corporations such as Xerox, Hewlett Packard and Mentor Graphics have participated as spon- sors and mentors. This year, Plumbers and Fit- ters Local 290 and IBEW Local 280 of Tangent got involved — Local 290 as a regional sponsor and Local 280 as a co-sponsor for teams from (ABOVE) Students from nearly a dozen area high schools converged on the Plumbers and Fitters Training Center in Tualatin Feb. 16 to scrimmage Corvallis. robots in preparation for the Oregon Regional FIRST Robotics Competition held Feb. 29-March 1 at Portland’s Memorial Coliseum. (BELOW) Debra Mumm-Hill, regional director for A team from the Beaverton Education Foundation cheers on a competitor at the Oregon Regional. FIRST Pacific Northwest, said Local 290 is the first union in the nation to be in- volved in the competition as a sponsor. At the contest kick-off Jan. 5, Local 290 made arrangements to accommo- date more than 400 students and parents at their training center in Tualatin, feed- ing them breakfast and hooking up a satellite feed with NASA so that the stu- dents could learn what their project would be. NASA is a major sponsor of the competition. Then on Feb. 16, the union hosted a scrimmage at the training center. This allowed any team that wanted to come and test their robots on a replica track set up by Local 290 Business Agent Jerry Moss. “We’ve never had scrimmages before, because we’ve never had a facility that could do it,” said David Porter, a mechanical engineer and Volunteer Coor- dinator for Oregon. “This is excellent.” Both Mumm-Hill and Porter believe it is critical to link educators, industry and labor together to work with students. “When FIRST started, the assumption was that the kids competing would all go to MIT,” Porter said. “That has evolved.” Mumm-Hill said that for every engineer “you need a team of seven to 10 skilled workers – machinists, plumbers, electricians – who can do the work. It’s a real team effort.” She said Local 290 “has gone out of its way to help us” and that Moss has opened a lot of doors for the organization. “We look forward to our partnership with the labor unions as we continue to reach more and more high school students in Oregon,” she said. Here’s how the competition works: Teams (which can range from four stu- dents to more than 30) are presented with a kit of parts made up of motors, bat- teries, a control system and a mix of automation components – but no instruc- tions. Working with mentors, students are given six weeks to design, build and test their robots to meet the year’s challenge designed by a committee of engi- neers and other professionals. In this year’s game, robots are designed to race around a track knocking down 40-inch inflated Trackballs and moving them around the track, passing them either over or under a 6’6” overpass. Moss has since joined the board of directors for FIRST Northwest (as has Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner) and is now in training to become a contest as sponsors, mentors and volunteers. “This judge. For his efforts, he was awarded the group’s “Volunteer of the Year” at is a great way to build student interest in This season, more than 1,500 teams — including the regional finals March 1. math, science, and technology. You have to a record 316 rookie teams – will participate “We’ve been trying for a long time to let schools in our area know that we remember, these kids are the workforce of nationwide. Top finishers at the 41 regional exist,” Moss said. “What’s neat is that this has actually opened doors for us. the future,” he said. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from teachers and parents.” For more information, call Mumm-Hill at competitions advance to the national Moss would like to see more unions and signatory contractors get involved 503-657-0774 or Porter at 971-678-1189. championship in Atlanta April 1 –19.

PAGE 12 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS MARCH 7, 2008